(MEDORA, IN) - Renovation of the longest covered bridge in the United States has begun.

The Medora Covered Bridge off Indiana 235 between Medora and Vallonia was built in 1875 for $18,142.

Project engineer and supervisor Brad Isaacs says that the bridge's historical significance is valuable to Jackson County and he has seen visitors come from as far away as England and Australia to see the bridge.

Renovation to the bridge began on May 7th and Isaacs say that there has been a little confusion with from area residents on what exactly is going on with the bridge.

He says that at first many residents thought crew were tearing the bridge down.

Officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation's Seymour District say that the project is costing around $989,000.